Pyridine derivatives as soft rock inhibitors

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to new kinase inhibitors, more specifically ROCK inhibitors, compositions, in particular pharmaceuticals, comprising such inhibitors, and to uses of such inhibitors in the treatment and prophylaxis of disease. In particular, the present invention relates to new ROCK inhibitors, compositions, in particular pharmaceuticals, comprising such inhibitors, and to uses of such inhibitors in the treatment and prophylaxis of disease. In addition, the invention relates to methods of treatment and use of said compounds in the manufacture of a medicament for the application to a number of therapeutic indications including Respiratory and Gastro-Intestinal diseases.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is filed under 35 U.S.C. §111 as a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 14/763,594, filed on Jul. 27, 2015, which is a U.S.National Stage Entry under 35 U.S.C. §371 of International PatentApplication No. PCT/EP2014/051546, filed on Jan. 27, 2014, whichdesignates the United States and claims priority to United KingdomApplication No. 1303494.7, filed on Feb. 27, 2013, and also claimspriority to European Patent Office Application No. 13153094.1, filed onJan. 29, 2013, the contents of which are hereby incorporated byreference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to new kinase inhibitors, morespecifically Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) inhibitors,compositions, in particular pharmaceuticals, comprising such inhibitors,and to uses of such inhibitors in the treatment and prophylaxis ofdisease. In particular, the present invention relates to new ROCKinhibitors, compositions, in particular pharmaceuticals, comprising suchinhibitors, and to uses of such inhibitors in the treatment andprophylaxis of disease.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The serine/threonine protein kinase ROCK consists in humans of twoisoforms ROCK I and ROCK II. ROCK I is encoded on chromosome 18 whereasROCK II, also called Rho-kinase, is located on chromosome 12. They bothhave a molecular weight close to 160 kDa. They share an overall homologyof 65% while being 95% homologous in their kinase domains. Despite theirsequence similarity, they differ by their tissue distributions. Thehighest levels of expression for ROCK I are observed in heart, lung andskeletal tissues whereas ROCK II is mostly expressed in brain. Recentdata indicate that these two isoforms are partially function redundant,ROCK I being more involved in immunological events, ROCK II in smoothmuscle function. The term ROCK refers to ROCK I (ROK-β, p160ROCK, orRho-kinase β) and ROCK II (ROCK-α or Rho-kinase α).

ROCK activity has been shown to be enhanced by GTPase RhoA that is amember of the Rho (Ras homologous) GTP-binding proteins. The activeGTP-bound state of RhoA interacts with Rho-binding domain (RBD) of ROCKthat is located in an autoinhibitory carboxyl-terminal loop. Uponbinding, the interactions between the ROCK negative regulatory domainand the kinase domain are disrupted. The process enables the kinase toacquire an open conformation in which it is fully active. The openconformation is also induced by the binding of lipid activators such asarachidonic acid to the PH domain in the kinase carboxyl-terminaldomain. Another activation mechanism has been described during apoptosisand involves the cleavage of carboxyl terminus by caspase-3 and -2 (orgranzyme B) for ROCK I and II, respectively.

ROCK plays an important role in various cellular functions such assmooth muscle contraction, actin cytoskeleton organization, plateletactivation, downregulation of myosin phosphatase cell adhesion,-migration, -proliferation and survival, thrombin-induced responses ofaortic smooth muscle cells, hypertrophy of cardiomyocytes, bronchialsmooth muscle contraction, smooth muscle contraction and cytoskeletalreorganization of non-muscle cells, activation of volume-regulated anionchannels, neurite retraction, wound healing, cell transformation andgene expression. ROCK also acts in several signaling pathways that areinvolved in auto-immunity and inflammation. ROCK has been shown to playa part in the activation of NF-κB, a critical molecule that leads to theproduction of TNF and other inflammatory cytokines. ROCK inhibitors arereported to act against TNF-alpha and IL-6 production inlipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated THP-1 macrophages. Therefore, ROCKinhibitors provide a useful therapy to treat autoimmune and inflammatorydiseases as well as oxidative stress.

In conclusion, ROCK is a major control point in smooth muscle cellfunction and a key signaling component involved in inflammatoryprocesses in various inflammatory cells as well as fibrosis andremodeling in many diseased organs. There are clear indications thatROCK is involved in the pathogenesis of many diseases, including asthma,COPD and glaucoma. In addition, ROCK has been implicated in variousdiseases and disorders including eye diseases; airway diseases;cardiovascular and vascular diseases; inflammatory diseases;neurological and CNS disorders: proliferative diseases; kidney diseases;sexual dysfunction; blood diseases; bone diseases; diabetes; benignprostatic hyperplasia, transplant rejection, liver disease, systemiclupus erythmatosis, spasm, hypertension, chronic obstructive bladderdisease, premature birth, infection, allergy, obesity, pancreaticdisease and AIDS.

ROCK appears to be a safe target, as exemplified by knockout models anda large number of academic studies. These KO mice data, in combinationwith post-marketing surveillance studies with Fasudil, a moderatelypotent ROCK inhibitor used for the treatment of vasospasm aftersubarachnoid hemorrhage, indicate that ROCK is a genuine and significantdrug target.

ROCK inhibitors would be useful as therapeutic agents for the treatmentof disorders implicated in the ROCK pathway. Accordingly, there is agreat need to develop ROCK inhibitors that are useful in treatingvarious diseases or conditions associated with ROCK activation,particularly given the inadequate treatments currently available for themajority of these disorders. Some non-limiting examples are inflammatorybowel disease, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, asthma, COPD,pulmonary hypertension and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Allergic asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disorder that resultsfrom maladaptive immune responses to ubiquitous environmental proteinsin genetically susceptible persons. Despite reasonably successfultherapies, the prevalence increases as these therapies do not cure;there are still exacerbations and an increasing number ofnon-responders. New, effective and steroid-sparing treatments thattackle all components of the disease are required.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) represents a group ofdiseases characterized by irreversible limitation of airflow, associatedwith abnormal inflammatory response, bronchoconstriction and remodelingand destruction of the tissue of the lung. It is one of the leadingcauses of death worldwide, with a steadily increasing prevalence. Thereis an urgent need for novel therapeutic approaches as the currentregimen is inadequate. Until recently, only bronchodilators were used,since glucocorticoids have limited or no effect. Roflumilast (Daxas,Dallresp) was approved in 2010 for the treatment of COPD, but isassociated with several dose-limiting side effects. Reference ROCKinhibitors, such as Y-27632 relax human isolated bronchial preparations,inhibit increases in airway resistance in anaesthetised animals,potentiate relaxing effects of β-agonists in vitro and in vivo and giverapid bronchodilatation upon inhalation. In addition, ROCK inhibitorsblock tracheal smooth muscle contractions induced by H₂O₂, the clinicalmarker for oxidative stress.

Related to airway inflammation, ROCK inhibitors counteract the increasein trans-endothelial permeability mediated by inflammatory agents,maintain the endothelial barrier integrity, inhibit the influx ofeosinophils after ovalbumin challenge in vivo, protect against lungedema formation and neutrophile migration, suppress airway HR tometacholine and serotonin in allergic mice and block LPS-induced TNFrelease. With respect to airway fibrosis and remodeling, ROCK inhibitorsblock the induced migration of airway smooth muscle cells. In vitroevidences for the role of ROCK in airway remodeling were obtained inhuman lung carcinoma cell line, bovine tracheal smooth muscle cells andhuman airway smooth muscle. In vivo proof for a role of ROCK in fibrosisin general was generated with mice which exhibited attenuated myocardialfibrosis in response to the partial deletion of ROCK. The attenuation ofmyocardial fibrosis by Y-27632 in response to myocardial infarction andby fasudil in the case of congestive heart failure in a chronichypertensive rat model brings additional indications of ROCK'simportance in remodeling. Finally, ROCK inhibitors increase apoptoticcell loss of smooth muscle cells.

Several different classes of ROCK inhibitors are known. The currentfocus is oncology and cardiovascular applications. Until now, theoutstanding therapeutic potential of ROCK inhibitors has only beenexplored to a limited extent. The reason is the fact that ROCK is such apotent and widespread biochemical regulator, that systemic inhibition ofROCK leads to strong biological effects that are considered as beingside effects for the treatment of most diseases. Indeed, the medical useof ROCK inhibitors to treat diseases with a strong inflammatorycomponent is hampered by the pivotal role of ROCK in the regulation ofthe tonic phase of smooth muscle cell contraction. Systemicallyavailable ROCK inhibitors induce a marked decrease in blood pressure.Therefore, ROCK inhibitors with different properties are highlyrequired.

For the target specific treatment of disorders by regulating smoothmuscle function and/or inflammatory processes and/or remodeling, it ishighly desired to deliver a ROCK inhibitor to the target organ and toavoid significant amounts of these drugs to enter other organs.Therefore, local or topical application is desired. Typically, topicaladministration of drugs has been applied for the treatment of airway-,eye, sexual dysfunction and skin disorders. In addition, localinjection/infiltration into diseased tissues further extend thepotential medical use of locally applied ROCK inhibitors. Given certaincriteria are fulfilled; these local applications allow high drugconcentration to be reached in the target tissue. In addition, theincorporation of ROCK inhibitors into implants and stents can furtherexpand the medical application towards the local treatment of CVdiseases such as atherosclerosis, coronary diseases and heart failure.

Despite the fact that direct local application is preferred in medicalpractice, there are concerns regarding drug levels reached into thesystemic circulation. For example the treatment of airway diseases bylocal delivery by for instance inhalation, poses the risk of systemicexposure due to large amounts entering the GI tract and/or systemicabsorption through the lungs. Also for dermal applications, localinjections and implantable medical devices, there is a severe risk ofleakage into the systemic circulation. Therefore, in addition tophysical local application, the compounds should preferably haveadditional chemical or biological properties that will minimize systemicexposure.

Soft drugs are pharmacologically active compounds that are inactivatedonce they enter the systemic circulation. This inactivation can beachieved in the liver, but the preferred inactivation should occur inthe blood. These compounds, once applied locally to the targettissue/organ exert their desired effect locally. When they leak out ofthis tissue into the systemic circulation, they are very rapidlyinactivated. Thus, soft drugs of choice are sufficiently stable in thetarget tissue/organ to exert the desired biological effect, but arerapidly degraded in the blood to pharmacologically inactive compounds.

In conclusion, there is a continuing need to design and develop softROCK inhibitors for the treatment of a wide range of disease states. Thecompounds described herein and pharmaceutically acceptable compositionsthereof are useful for treating or lessening the severity of a varietyof disorders or conditions associated with ROCK activation. Morespecifically, the compounds of the invention are preferably used in theprevention and/or treatment of at least one disease or disorder, inwhich ROCK is involved, such as diseases linked to smooth muscle cellfunction, inflammation, fibrosis, excessive cell proliferation,excessive angiogenesis, hyperreactivity, barrier dysfunction,neurodegeration and remodeling. For example, the compounds of theinvention may be used in the prevention and/or treatment of diseases anddisorders such as:

-   -   Airway diseases; including but not limited to pulmonary        fibrosis, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, asthma, fibrosis,        pneumonia, cystic fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary        disease (COPD); bronchitis and rhinitis and respiratory distress        syndrome,    -   Throat, Nose and Ear diseases: including but not limited to        sinus problems, hearing problems, toothache, tonsillitis, ulcer        and rhinitis,    -   Skin diseases: including but not limited to hyperkeratosis,        parakeratosis, hypergranulosis, acanthosis, dyskeratosis,        spongiosis and ulceration.    -   Intestinal diseases: including but not limited to inflammatory        bowel disease (IBD), colitis, gastroenteritis, ileus, ileitis,        appendicitis and Crohn's disease.    -   Cardiovascular and vascular diseases: including but not limited        to, pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary vasoconstriction.    -   Inflammatory diseases: including but not limited to contact        dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis,        juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic        arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease and        ulcerative colitis.    -   Neurological disorders: including but not limited to neuropathic        pain. The present compounds are therefore suitable for        preventing neurodegeneration and stimulating neurogeneration in        various neurological disorders.    -   Proliferative diseases: such as but not limited to cancer of,        breast, colon, intestine, skin, head and neck, nerve, lung,        pancreas, or thyroid gland; Castleman disease; malignoma; and        melanoma.    -   Bone diseases: including but not limited to osteoporosis and        osteoarthritis    -   In addition, the compounds of the invention may be used in the        prevention and/or treatment of diseases and disorders such as        benign prostatic hyperplasia, transplant rejection, spasm,        chronic obstructive bladder disease, and allergy.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

We have surprisingly found that the compounds described herein act asinhibitors of ROCK, in particular as soft ROCK inhibitors. As can beseen from the examples, the compounds of the present invention are veryrapidly converted into pharmacologically inactive compounds for exampleby carboxylic ester hydrolases (EC 3.1.1) such as Paraoxonase 1 (PON1)or by plasma proteins displaying pseudoesterase activity such as Humanserum albumin. Carboxylic ester hydrolases (EC 3.1.1) represent a largegroup of enzymes involved in the degradation of carboxylic esters intoalcohols and carboxylic acids. As such, enzymes displaying thiscatalytic activity are of potential interest for the design of softkinase inhibitors. EC 3.1.1 includes the following sub-classes:

EC 3.1.1.1 carboxylesterase; EC 3.1.1.2 arylesterase; EC 3.1.1.3triacylglycerol lipase; EC 3.1.1.4 phospholipase A2; EC 3.1.1.5lysophospholipase; EC 3.1.1.6 acetylesterase; EC 3.1.1.7acetylcholinesterase; EC 3.1.1.8 cholinesterase; EC 3.1.1.10tropinesterase; EC 3.1.1.11 pectinesterase; EC 3.1.1.13 sterol esterase;EC 3.1.1.14 chlorophyllase; EC 3.1.1.15 L-arabinonolactonase; EC3.1.1.17 gluconolactonase; EC 3.1.1.19 uronolactonase; EC 3.1.1.20tannase; EC 3.1.1.21 retinyl-palmitate esterase; EC 3.1.1.22hydroxybutyrate-dimer hydrolase; EC 3.1.1.23 acylglycerol lipase; EC3.1.1.24 3-oxoadipate enol-lactonase; EC 3.1.1.25 1,4-lactonase; EC3.1.1.26 galactolipase; EC 3.1.1.27 4-pyridoxolactonase; EC 3.1.1.28acylcarnitine hydrolase; EC 3.1.1.29 aminoacyl-tRNA hydrolase; EC3.1.1.30 D-arabinonolactonase; EC 3.1.1.31 6-phosphogluconolactonase; EC3.1.1.32 phospholipase A1; EC 3.1.1.33 6-acetylglucose deacetylase; EC3.1.1.34 lipoprotein lipase; EC 3.1.1.35 dihydrocoumarin hydrolase; EC3.1.1.36 limonin-D-ring-lactonase; EC 3.1.1.37 steroid-lactonase; EC3.1.1.38 triacetate-lactonase; EC 3.1.1.39 actinomycin lactonase; EC3.1.1.40 orsellinate-depside hydrolase; EC 3.1.1.41 cephalosporin-Cdeacetylase; EC 3.1.1.42 chlorogenate hydrolase; EC 3.1.1.43α-amino-acid esterase; EC 3.1.1.44 4-methyloxaloacetate esterase; EC3.1.1.45 carboxymethylenebutenolidase; EC 3.1.1.46 deoxylimonateA-ring-lactonase; EC 3.1.1.47 1-alkyl-2-acetylglycerophosphocholineesterase; EC 3.1.1.48 fusarinine-C ornithinesterase; EC 3.1.1.49sinapine esterase; EC 3.1.1.50 wax-ester hydrolase; EC 3.1.1.51phorbol-diester hydrolase; EC 3.1.1.52 phosphatidylinositol deacylase;EC 3.1.1.53 sialate 0-acetylesterase; EC 3.1.1.54acetoxybutynylbithiophene deacetylase; EC 3.1.1.55 acetylsalicylatedeacetylase; EC 3.1.1.56 methylumbelliferyl-acetate deacetylase; EC3.1.1.57 2-pyrone-4,6-dicarboxylate lactonase; EC 3.1.1.58N-acetylgalactosaminoglycan deacetylase; EC 3.1.1.59 juvenile-hormoneesterase; EC 3.1.1.60 bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate esterase; EC 3.1.1.61protein-glutamate methylesterase; EC 3.1.1.63 11-cis-retinyl-palmitatehydrolase; EC 3.1.1.64 all-trans-retinyl-palmitate hydrolase; EC3.1.1.65 L-rhamnono-1,4-lactonase; EC 3.1.1.665-(3,4-diacetoxybut-1-ynyl)-2,2′-bithiophene deacetylase; EC 3.1.1.67fatty-acyl-ethyl-ester synthase; EC 3.1.1.68 xylono-1,4-lactonase; EC3.1.1.70 cetraxate benzylesterase; EC 3.1.1.71 acetylalkylglycerolacetylhydrolase; EC 3.1.1.72 acetylxylan esterase; EC 3.1.1.73 feruloylesterase; EC 3.1.1.74 cutinase; EC 3.1.1.75 poly(3-hydroxybutyrate)depolymerase; EC 3.1.1.76 poly(3-hydroxyoctanoate) depolymerase; EC3.1.1.77 acyloxyacyl hydrolase; EC 3.1.1.78 polyneuridine-aldehydeesterase; EC 3.1.1.79 hormone-sensitive lipase; EC 3.1.1.80acetylajmaline esterase; EC 3.1.1.81 quorum-quenching N-acyl-homoserinelactonase; EC 3.1.1.82 pheophorbidase; EC 3.1.1.83 monoterpene ε-lactonehydrolase; EC 3.1.1.84 cocaine esterase; EC 3.1.1.85 mannosylglyceratehydrolase;

An example of carboxylic ester hydrolase of particular relevance withrespect to the compounds of the present invention is PON1. PON1 is aCa²⁺ dependent serum class A-esterase, which is synthesized in the liverand secreted in the blood, where it associates exclusively withhigh-density lipoproteins (HDLs). Furthermore, it is able to cleave aunique subset of substrate including organophosphates, arylesters,lactones and cyclic carbonates. Therefore, the Y substituent of thecompounds of the present invention, generally represented by formula Ihereinbelow, are selected to comprise a substituent selected from agroup of lactones.

The compounds of the present invention differ from those disclosed inapplication WO2011107608 from the same applicant at least in thepresence of the Cy group. Furthermore, the compounds of the inventiondisplay an unexpected and more favorable combination of strong on-targetpotency and fast degradation in human plasma in comparison to thosecompounds.

Unless a context dictates otherwise, asterisks are used herein toindicate the point at which a mono- or bivalent radical depicted isconnected to the structure to which it relates and of which the radicalforms part.

Viewed from a first aspect, the invention provides a compound of FormulaI or a stereoisomer, tautomer, racemic, salt, hydrate, or solvatethereof,

Wherein

R¹ is selected from hydrogen and C₁₋₂₀alkyl;

X¹ is hydrogen or halo;

X² is —C(═O)—NH— or —NH—C(═O)—;

Cy is an optionally substituted group selected from aryl and heteroaryl;

X³ is selected from the group consisting of —S—, —O—, and —NR²—;

R² is hydrogen or C₁₋₆alkyl;

Het¹ is 2-oxotetrahydrofuranyl optionally substituted with one or moreC₁₋₆alkyl-; and

A¹ and A² are each independently a direct bond or an optionallysubstituted C₁₋₆alkylene.

Viewed from a further aspect, the invention provides the use of acompound of the invention, or a composition comprising such a compound,for inhibiting the activity of at least one kinase, in vitro or in vivo.

Viewed from a further aspect, the invention provides the use of acompound of the invention, or a composition comprising such a compound,for inhibiting the activity of at least one ROCK kinase, for exampleROCKII and/or ROCKI isoforms.

Viewed from a further aspect, the invention provides a pharmaceuticaland/or veterinary composition comprising a compound of the invention.

Viewed from a still further aspect, the invention provides a compound ofthe invention for use in human or veterinary medicine.

Viewed from a still further aspect, the invention provides the use of acompound of the invention in the preparation of a medicament for theprevention and/or treatment of at least one disease and/or disorderselected from the group comprising airway diseases; throat, nose and eardiseases; intestinal diseases; cardiovascular and vascular diseases;inflammatory diseases; skin diseases, neurological disorders;proliferative diseases; bone diseases; transplant rejection, spasm,chronic obstructive bladder disease, allergy.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

With specific reference now to the FIGURES, it is stressed that theparticulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrativediscussion of the different embodiments of the present invention only.They are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be themost useful and readily description of the principles and conceptualaspects of the invention. In this regard no attempt is made to showstructural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary fora fundamental understanding of the invention. The description taken withthe drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the severalforms of the invention may be embodied in practice.

FIG. 1: Anti-inflammatory activity of Cpd4 in an acute LPS lungchallenge model (mouse). Data is provided as bronchoalveolar lavagefluid (BALF) cell count (10³/μl)±SEM. WBC: White Blood Cell. NEUT:Neutrophil. Dex: Dexamethasone control.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention will now be further described. In the followingpassages, different aspects of the invention are defined in more detail.Each aspect so defined may be combined with any other aspect or aspectsunless clearly indicated to the contrary. In particular, any featureindicated as being preferred or advantageous may be combined with anyother feature or features indicated as being preferred or advantageous.

Unless a context dictates otherwise, asterisks are used herein toindicate the point at which a mono- or bivalent radical depicted isconnected to the structure to which it relates and of which the radicalforms part.

Undefined (racemic) asymmetric centers that may be present in thecompounds of the present invention are interchangeably indicated bydrawing a wavy bonds or a straight bond in order to visualize theundefined steric character of the bond.

As already mentioned hereinbefore, in a first aspect the presentinvention provides compounds of Formula I

wherein X¹, X², X³, Cy, R¹, Het¹, A¹ and A² are as defined hereinbefore,including the stereo-isomeric forms, solvates, and pharmaceuticallyacceptable addition salts thereof.

When describing the compounds of the invention, the terms used are to beconstrued in accordance with the following definitions, unless a contextdictates otherwise:

The term “alkyl” by itself or as part of another substituent refers to afully saturated hydrocarbon of Formula C_(x)H_(2x+1) wherein x is anumber greater than or equal to 1. Generally, alkyl groups of thisinvention comprise from 1 to 20 carbon atoms. Alkyl groups may be linearor branched and may be substituted as indicated herein. When a subscriptis used herein following a carbon atom, the subscript refers to thenumber of carbon atoms that the named group may contain. Thus, forexample, C₁₋₄alkyl means an alkyl of one to four carbon atoms. Examplesof alkyl groups are methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, i-propyl, butyl, and itsisomers (e.g. n-butyl, i-butyl and t-butyl); pentyl and its isomers,hexyl and its isomers, heptyl and its isomers, octyl and its isomers,nonyl and its isomers; decyl and its isomers. C₁-C₆ alkyl includes alllinear, branched, or cyclic alkyl groups with between 1 and 6 carbonatoms, and thus includes methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, i-propyl, butyl andits isomers (e.g. n-butyl, i-butyl and t-butyl); pentyl and its isomers,hexyl and its isomers, cyclopentyl, 2-, 3-, or 4-methylcyclopentyl,cyclopentylmethylene, and cyclohexyl.

The term “optionally substituted alkyl” refers to an alkyl groupoptionally substituted with one or more substituents (for example 1 to 4substituents, for example 1, 2, 3, or 4 substituents or 1 to 2substituents) at any available point of attachment. Non-limitingexamples of such substituents include halo, hydroxyl, carbonyl, nitro,amino, oxime, imino, azido, hydrazino, cyano, aryl, heteroaryl,cycloalkyl, acyl, alkylamino, alkoxy, thiol, alkylthio, carboxylic acid,acylamino, alkyl esters, carbamate, thioamido, urea, sulfonamido and thelike.

The term “alkenyl”, as used herein, unless otherwise indicated, meansstraight-chain, cyclic, or branched-chain hydrocarbon radicalscontaining at least one carbon-carbon double bond. Examples of alkenylradicals include ethenyl, E- and Z-propenyl, isopropenyl, E- andZ-butenyl, E- and Z-isobutenyl, E- and Z-pentenyl, E- and Z-hexenyl,E,E-, E,Z-, Z,E-, Z,Z-hexadienyl, and the like. An optionallysubstituted alkenyl refers to an alkenyl having optionally one or moresubstituents (for example 1, 2, 3 or 4), selected from those definedabove for substituted alkyl.

The term “alkynyl”, as used herein, unless otherwise indicated, meansstraight-chain or branched-chain hydrocarbon radicals containing atleast one carbon-carbon triple bond. Examples of alkynyl radicalsinclude ethynyl, propynyl, butynyl, isobutynyl, pentynyl, hexynyl, andthe like. An optionally substituted alkynyl refers to an alkynyl havingoptionally one or more substituents, selected from those defined abovefor substituted alkyl.

The term “cycloalkyl” by itself or as part of another substituent is acyclic alkyl group, that is to say, a monovalent, saturated, orunsaturated hydrocarbyl group having 1, 2, or 3 cyclic structure(s).Cycloalkyl includes all saturated or partially saturated (containing 1or 2 double bonds) hydrocarbon groups containing 1 to 3 rings, includingmonocyclic, bicyclic, or polycyclic alkyl groups. Cycloalkyl groups maycomprise 3 or more carbon atoms in the ring and generally, according tothis invention comprise from 3 to 15 atoms. The further rings ofmulti-ring cycloalkyls may be either fused, bridged and/or joinedthrough one or more spiro atoms. Cycloalkyl groups may also beconsidered to be a subset of homocyclic rings discussed hereinafter.Examples of cycloalkyl groups include but are not limited tocyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl,cyclooctyl, cyclononyl, adamantanyl, bicyclo(2.2.1)heptanyl andcyclodecyl with cyclopropyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, adamantanyl, andbicyclo(2.2.1)heptanyl being particularly preferred. An “optionallysubstituted cycloalkyl” refers to a cycloalkyl having optionally one ormore substituents (for example 1 to 3 substituents, for example 1, 2, 3or 4 substituents), selected from those defined above for substitutedalkyl. When the suffix “ene” is used in conjunction with a cyclic group,hereinafter also referred to as “Cycloalkylene”, this is intended tomean the cyclic group as defined herein having two single bonds aspoints of attachment to other groups. Cycloalkylene groups of thisinvention preferably comprise the same number of carbon atoms as theircycloalkyl radical counterparts.

Where alkyl groups as defined are divalent, i.e., with two single bondsfor attachment to two other groups, they are termed “alkylene” groups.Non-limiting examples of alkylene groups includes methylene, ethylene,methylmethylene, trimethylene, propylene, tetramethylene, ethylethylene,1,2-dimethylethylene, pentamethylene and hexamethylene. Similarly, wherealkenyl groups as defined above and alkynyl groups as defined above,respectively, are divalent radicals having single bonds for attachmentto two other groups, they are termed “alkenylene” and “alkynylene”respectively.

Generally, alkylene groups of this invention preferably comprise thesame number of carbon atoms as their alkyl counterparts. Where analkylene or cycloalkylene biradical is present, connectivity to themolecular structure of which it forms part may be through a commoncarbon atom or different carbon atom, preferably a common carbon atom.To illustrate this applying the asterisk nomenclature of this invention,a C₃ alkylene group may be for example *—CH₂CH₂CH₂-*, *—CH(—CH₂CH₃)—*,or *—CH₂CH(—CH₃)—*. Likewise a C₃ cycloalkylene group may be

Where a cycloalkylene group is present, this is preferably a C₃-C₆cycloalkylene group, more preferably a C₃ cycloalkylene (i.e.cyclopropylene group) wherein its connectivity to the structure of whichit forms part is through a common carbon atom. Cycloalkylene andalkylene biradicals in compounds of the invention may be, but preferablyare not, substituted.

The terms “heterocyclyl” or “heterocycle” as used herein by itself or aspart of another group refer to non-aromatic, fully saturated orpartially unsaturated cyclic groups (for example, 3 to 13 membermonocyclic, 7 to 17 member bicyclic, or 10 to 20 member tricyclic ringsystems, or containing a total of 3 to 10 ring atoms) which have atleast one heteroatom in at least one carbon atom-containing ring. Eachring of the heterocyclic group containing a heteroatom may have 1, 2, 3or 4 heteroatoms selected from nitrogen atoms, oxygen atoms and/orsulfur atoms, where the nitrogen and sulfur heteroatoms may optionallybe oxidized and the nitrogen heteroatoms may optionally be quaternized.The heterocyclic group may be attached at any heteroatom or carbon atomof the ring or ring system, where valence allows. The rings ofmulti-ring heterocycles may be fused, bridged and/or joined through oneor more spiro atoms. An optionally substituted heterocyclic refers to aheterocyclic having optionally one or more substituents (for example 1to 4 substituents, or for example 1, 2, 3 or 4), selected from thosedefined for substituted aryl.

Exemplary heterocyclic groups include piperidinyl, azetidinyl,imidazolinyl, imidazolidinyl, isoxazolinyl, oxazolidinyl,isoxazolidinyl, thiazolidinyl, isothiazolidinyl, piperidyl,succinimidyl, 3H-indolyl, isoindolinyl, chromenyl, isochromanyl,xanthenyl, 2H-pyrrolyl, 1-pyrrolinyl, 2-pyrrolinyl, 3-pyrrolinyl,pyrrolidinyl, 4H-quinolizinyl, 4aH-carbazolyl, 2-oxopiperazinyl,piperazinyl, homopiperazinyl, 2-pyrazolinyl, 3-pyrazolinyl, pyranyl,dihydro-2H-pyranyl, 4H-pyranyl, 3,4-dihydro-2H-pyranyl, phthalazinyl,oxetanyl, thietanyl, 3-dioxolanyl, 1,3-dioxanyl, 2,5-dioximidazolidinyl,2,2,4-piperidonyl, 2-oxopiperidinyl, 2-oxopyrrolodinyl, 2-oxoazepinyl,indolinyl, tetrahydropyranyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, tetrehydrothienyl,tetrahydroquinolinyl, tetrahydroisoquinolinyl, thiomorpholinyl,thiomorpholinyl sulfoxide, thiomorpholinyl sulfone, 1,3-dioxolanyl,1,4-oxathianyl, 1,4-dithianyl, 1,3,5-trioxanyl, 6H-1,2,5-thiadiazinyl,2H-1,5,2-dithiazinyl, 2H-oxocinyl, 1H-pyrrolizinyl,tetrahydro-1,1-dioxothienyl, N-formylpiperazinyl, and morpholinyl.

The term “aryl” as used herein refers to a polyunsaturated, aromatichydrocarbyl group having a single ring (i.e. phenyl) or multiplearomatic rings fused together (e.g. naphthalene or anthracene) or linkedcovalently, typically containing 6 to 10 atoms; wherein at least onering is aromatic. The aromatic ring may optionally include one to threeadditional rings (either cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, or heteroaryl) fusedthereto. Aryl is also intended to include the partially hydrogenatedderivatives of the carbocyclic systems enumerated herein. Non-limitingexamples of aryl comprise phenyl, biphenylyl, biphenylenyl, 5- or6-tetralinyl, 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, 7-, or 8-azulenyl, 1- or2-naphthyl, 1-, 2-, or 3-indenyl, 1-, 2-, or 9-anthryl, 1-2-, 3-, 4-, or5-acenaphtylenyl, 3-, 4-, or 5-acenaphtenyl, 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, or10-phenanthryl, 1- or 2-pentalenyl, 1, 2-, 3-, or 4-fluorenyl, 4- or5-indanyl, 5-, 6-, 7-, or 8-tetrahydronaphthyl,1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthyl, 1,4-dihydronaphthyl,dibenzo[a,d]cylcoheptenyl, and 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, or 5-pyrenyl.

The aryl ring can optionally be substituted by one or more substituents.An “optionally substituted aryl” refers to an aryl having optionally oneor more substituents (for example 1 to 5 substituents, for example 1, 2,3 or 4) at any available point of attachment. Non-limiting examples ofsuch substituents are selected from halogen, hydroxyl, oxo, nitro,amino, hydrazine, aminocarbonyl, azido, cyano, alkyl, cycloalkyl,alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkylalkyl, alkylamino, alkoxy, —SO₂—NH₂, aryl,heteroaryl, aralkyl, haloalkyl, haloalkoxy, alkoxycarbonyl,alkylaminocarbonyl, heteroarylalkyl, alkylsulfonamide, heterocyclyl,alkylcarbonylaminoalkyl, aryloxy, alkylcarbonyl, acyl, arylcarbonyl,aminocarbonyl, alkylsulfoxide, —SO₂R^(a), alkylthio, carboxyl, and thelike, wherein R^(a) is alkyl or cycloalkyl.

Where a carbon atom in an aryl group is replaced with a heteroatom, theresultant ring is referred to herein as a heteroaryl ring.

The term “heteroaryl” as used herein by itself or as part of anothergroup refers but is not limited to 5 to 12 carbon-atom aromatic rings orring systems containing 1 to 3 rings which are fused together or linkedcovalently, typically containing 5 to 8 atoms; at least one of which isaromatic in which one or more carbon atoms in one or more of these ringscan be replaced by oxygen, nitrogen or sulfur atoms where the nitrogenand sulfur heteroatoms may optionally be oxidized and the nitrogenheteroatoms may optionally be quaternized. Such rings may be fused to anaryl, cycloalkyl, heteroaryl or heterocyclyl ring. Non-limiting examplesof such heteroaryl, include: pyrrolyl, furanyl, thiophenyl, pyrazolyl,imidazolyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, thiazolyl, isothiazolyl, triazolyl,oxadiazolyl, thiadiazolyl, tetrazolyl, oxatriazolyl, thiatriazolyl,pyridinyl, pyrimidyl, pyrazinyl, pyridazinyl, oxazinyl, dioxinyl,thiazinyl, triazinyl, imidazo[2,1-b][1,3]thiazolyl,thieno[3,2-h]furanyl, thieno[3,2-h]thiophenyl,thieno[2,3-d][1,3]thiazolyl, thieno[2,3-d]imidazolyl,tetrazolo[1,5-a]pyridinyl, indolyl, indolizinyl, isoindolyl,benzofuranyl, benzopyranyl, 1(4H)-benzopyranyl, 1(2H)-benzopyranyl,3,4-dihydro-1(2H)-benzopyranyl, 3,4-dihydro-1(2H)-benzopyranyl,isobenzofuranyl, benzothiophenyl, isobenzothiophenyl, indazolyl,benzimidazolyl, 1,3-benzoxazolyl, 1,2-benzisoxazolyl,2,1-benzisoxazolyl, 1,3-benzothiazolyl, 1,2-benzoisothiazolyl,2,1-benzoisothiazolyl, benzotriazolyl, 1,2,3-benzoxadiazolyl,2,1,3-benzoxadiazolyl, 1,2,3-benzothiadiazolyl, 2,1,3-benzothiadiazolyl,thienopyridinyl, purinyl, imidazo[1,2-a]pyridinyl,6-oxo-pyridazin-1(6H)-yl, 2-oxopyridin-1(2H)-yl,6-oxo-pyridazin-1(6H)-yl, 2-oxopyridin-1(2H)-yl, 1,3-benzodioxolyl,quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, cinnolinyl, quinazolinyl, quinoxalinyl,7-azaindolyl, 6-azaindolyl, 5-azaindolyl, 4-azaindolyl.

An “optionally substituted heteroaryl” refers to a heteroaryl havingoptionally one or more substituents (for example 1 to 4 substituents,for example 1, 2, 3 or 4), selected from those defined above forsubstituted aryl.

The term “oxo” as used herein refers to the group ═O.

The term “alkoxy” or “alkyloxy” as used herein refers to a radicalhaving the Formula —OR^(b) wherein R^(b) is alkyl. Preferably, alkoxy isC₁-C₁₀ alkoxy, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, or C₁-C₄ alkoxy. Non-limiting examples ofsuitable alkoxy include methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, isopropoxy, butoxy,isobutoxy, sec-butoxy, tert-butoxy, pentyloxy and hexyloxy. Where theoxygen atom in an alkoxy group is substituted with sulfur, the resultantradical is referred to as thioalkoxy. “Haloalkoxy” is an alkoxy groupwherein one or more hydrogen atoms in the alkyl group are substitutedwith halogen. Non-limiting examples of suitable haloalkoxy includefluoromethoxy, difluoromethoxy, trifluoromethoxy, 2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy,1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethoxy, 2-fluoroethoxy, 2-chloroethoxy,2,2-difluoroethoxy, 2,2,2-trichloroethoxy; trichloromethoxy,2-bromoethoxy, pentafluoroethyl, 3,3,3-trichloropropoxy,4,4,4-trichlorobutoxy.

The term “aryloxy” as used herein denotes a group —O-aryl, wherein arylis as defined above.

The term “arylcarbonyl” or “aroyl” as used herein denotes a group—C(O)-aryl, wherein aryl is as defined above.

The term “cycloalkylalkyl” by itself or as part of another substituentrefers to a group having one of the aforementioned cycloalkyl groupsattached to one of the aforementioned alkyl chains. Examples of suchcycloalkylalkyl radicals include cyclopropylmethyl, cyclobutylmethyl,cyclopentylmethyl, cyclohexylmethyl, 1-cyclopentylethyl,1-cyclohexylethyl, 2-cyclopentylethyl, 2-cyclohexylethyl,cyclobutylpropyl, cyclopentylpropyl, 3-cyclopentylbutyl, cyclohexylbutyland the like.

The term “heterocyclyl-alkyl” by itself or as part of anothersubstituents refers to a group having one of the aforementionedheterocyclyl group attached to one of the aforementioned alkyl group,i.e., to a group —R^(d)—R^(c) wherein R^(d) is alkylene or alkylenesubstituted by alkyl group and R^(c) is a heterocyclyl group.

The term “carboxy” or “carboxyl” or “hydroxycarbonyl” by itself or aspart of another substituent refers to the group —CO₂H. Thus, acarboxyalkyl is an alkyl group as defined above having at least onesubstituent that is —CO₂H.

The term “alkoxycarbonyl” by itself or as part of another substituentrefers to a carboxy group linked to an alkyl radical i.e. to form—C(═O)OR^(e), wherein R^(e) is as defined above for alkyl.

The term “alkylcarbonyloxy” by itself or as part of another substituentrefers to a —O—C(═O)R^(e) wherein R^(e) is as defined above for alkyl.

The term “alkylcarbonylamino” by itself or as part of anothersubstituent refers to an group of Formula —NH(C═O)R or —NR′(C═O)R,wherein R and R′ are each independently alkyl or substituted alkyl.

The term “thiocarbonyl” by itself or as part of another substituentrefers to the group —C(═S)—.

The term “alkoxy” by itself or as part of another substituent refers toa group consisting of an oxygen atom attached to one optionallysubstituted straight or branched alkyl group, cycloalkyl group, aralkyl,or cycloalkylalkyl group. Non-limiting examples of suitable alkoxy groupinclude methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy, isopropoxy, n-butoxy, iso-butoxy,sec-butoxy, tert-butoxy, hexanoxy, and the like.

The term “halo” or “halogen” as a group or part of a group is genericfor fluoro, chloro, bromo, or iodo.

The term “haloalkyl” alone or in combination, refers to an alkyl radicalhaving the meaning as defined above wherein one or more hydrogens arereplaced with a halogen as defined above. Non-limiting examples of suchhaloalkyl radicals include chloromethyl, 1-bromoethyl, fluoromethyl,difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, 1,1,1-trifluoroethyl, and the like.

The term “haloaryl” alone or in combination, refers to an aryl radicalhaving the meaning as defined above wherein one or more hydrogens arereplaced with a halogen as defined above.

The term “haloalkoxy” alone or in combination refers to a group ofFormula —O-alkyl wherein the alkyl group is substituted by 1, 2, or 3halogen atoms. For example, “haloalkoxy” includes —OCF₃, —OCHF₂, —OCH₂F,—O—CF₂—CF₃, —O—CH₂—CF₃, —O—CH₂—CHF₂, and —O—CH₂—CH₂F.

Whenever the term “substituted” is used in the present invention, it ismeant to indicate that one or more hydrogens on the atom indicated inthe expression using “substituted” is replaced with a selection from theindicated group, provided that the indicated atom's normal valency isnot exceeded, and that the substitution results in a chemically stablecompound, i.e. a compound that is sufficiently robust to surviveisolation to a useful degree of purity from a reaction mixture, andformulation into a therapeutic agent.

Where groups may be optionally substituted, such groups may besubstituted with once or more, and preferably once, twice or thrice.Substituents may be selected from, for example, the group comprisinghalogen, hydroxyl, oxo, nitro, amido, carboxy, amino, cyano haloalkoxy,and haloalkyl.

As used herein the terms such as “alkyl, aryl, or cycloalkyl, each beingoptionally substituted with” or “alkyl, aryl, or cycloalkyl, optionallysubstituted with” refers to optionally substituted alkyl, optionallysubstituted aryl and optionally substituted cycloalkyl.

As described herein, some of the compounds of the invention may containone or more asymmetric carbon atoms that serve as a chiral center, whichmay lead to different optical forms (e.g. enantiomers ordiastereoisomers). The invention comprises all such optical forms in allpossible configurations, as well as mixtures thereof.

More generally, from the above, it will be clear to the skilled personthat the compounds of the invention may exist in the form of differentisomers and/or tautomers, including but not limited to geometricalisomers, conformational isomers, E/Z-isomers, stereochemical isomers(i.e. enantiomers and diastereoisomers) and isomers that correspond tothe presence of the same substituents on different positions of therings present in the compounds of the invention. All such possibleisomers, tautomers and mixtures thereof are included within the scope ofthe invention.

Whenever used in the present invention the term “compounds of theinvention” or a similar term is meant to include the compounds ofgeneral Formula I and any subgroup thereof. This term also refers to thecompounds as depicted as examples, their derivatives, N-oxides, salts,solvates, hydrates, stereoisomeric forms, racemic mixtures, tautomericforms, optical isomers, analogues, pro-drugs, esters, and metabolites,as well as their quaternized nitrogen analogues. The N-oxide forms ofsaid compounds are meant to comprise compounds wherein one or severalnitrogen atoms are oxidized to the so-called N-oxide.

As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms“a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearlydictates otherwise. By way of example, “a compound” means one compoundor more than one compound.

The terms described above and others used in the specification are wellunderstood to those in the art.

In a second embodiment, the present invention provides those compoundsof formula I wherein;

R¹ is selected from hydrogen and C₁₋₆alkyl; in particular R¹ ishydrogen.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides compounds offormula I as described herein, wherein X¹ is halo; in particular fluoro.

In yet another embodiment, the present invention provides thosecompounds of formula I, wherein X² is —C(═O)—NH—.

In a particular embodiment, the present invention provides compounds offormula I, wherein Cy is an optionally substituted aryl.

In a further embodiment, the present invention provides compounds offormula I as described herein, wherein the optional substituents in theCy definition are one or more substituents selected from halo, hydroxyl,oxo, carbonyl, amino, amido, cyano, aryl, heteroaryl, C₃₋₈cycloalkyl,C₃₋₈heterocyclyl, C₁₋₈alkylamino, C₁₋₈alkyl, di(C₁₋₈alkyl)amino,C₁₋₈alkoxy, halo-C₁₋₈alkoxy, halo-C₁₋₈alkyl, thiol, C₁₋₈alkylthio,carboxylic acid, acylamino, C₁₋₈alkyl ester, carbamate, thioamido, urea,and sulfonamide.

In another further embodiment, the present invention provides compoundsof formula I as described herein, wherein the optional substituents inthe Cy definition are one or more substituents selected from C₁₋₆ alkyl,C₁₋₆ alkoxyl, C₁₋₆ haloalkyl, C₁₋₆ haloalkoxyl, and halo, in particularC₁₋₆alkyl or halo; more in particular halo.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides compounds offormula I as described herein, wherein Cy is optionally substituted withone substituent as described herein.

In a particular embodiment, the present invention provides compounds offormula I as described herein, wherein Cy is a six-membered ring.

In a further embodiment, -A¹-X³-A²-Het¹ is substituted on Cy in the metaor para position of X²; in particular in the para position.

In a particular embodiment, the present invention provides compounds offormula I, wherein R² is hydrogen or C₁₋₃alkyl; in particular hydrogenor methyl.

In particular embodiment, the present invention provides compounds offormula I, wherein Het¹ is selected from

In another particular embodiment, the present invention providescompounds of formula I, wherein Het¹ is selected from

In a particular embodiment, A¹ and A² are independently a direct bond ora C₁₋₆alkylene, wherein said C₁₋₆alkylene is optionally substituted withone or more substituents selected from the group consisting ofC₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₆alkenyl, C₁₋₆alkynyl, halo, hydroxyl, oxo, amino, cyano,aryl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, alkylamino, alkoxy, alkylthio, acylamino,carbamate, urea, and sulfonamido; in particular from the groupconsisting of halo, hydroxyl, oxo, amino, amido, cyano, aryl,heteroaryl, C₃₋₈cycloalkyl, C₃₋₈heterocyclyl, C₁₋₈alkylamino, C₁₋₈alkyl,di(C₁₋₈alkyl)amino, C₁₋₈alkoxy, halo-C₁₋₈alkoxy, halo-C₁₋₈alkyl,C₁₋₈alkylthio, acylamino, carbamate, urea, and sulfonamide.

In a more particular embodiment, A¹ and A² are independently a directbond or a C₁₋₆alkylene, wherein said C₁₋₆alkylene is optionallysubstituted with one substituent; more in particular with onesubstituent selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₆alkyl,C₁₋₆alkenyl, C₁₋₆alkynyl, halo, hydroxyl, oxo, amino, cyano, aryl,heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, alkylamino, alkoxy, alkylthio, acylamino,carbamate, urea, and sulfonamido; in particular from the groupconsisting of halo, hydroxyl, oxo, amino, amido, cyano, aryl,heteroaryl, C₃₋₈cycloalkyl, C₃₋₈heterocyclyl, C₁₋₈alkylamino, C₁₋₈alkyl,di(C₁₋₈alkyl)amino, C₁₋₈alkoxy, halo-C₁₋₈alkoxy, halo-C₁₋₈alkyl,C₁₋₈alkylthio, acylamino, carbamate, urea, and sulfonamide.

In another embodiment, A¹ and A² are each independently a direct bond ora C₁₋₆alkylene, wherein said C₁₋₆alkylene is optionally substituted withone or more C₁₋₆alkyl groups.

In a further embodiment, A¹ and A² are each independently a direct bondor an optionally substituted C₁₋₄alkylene, in particular a direct bondor an optionally substituted C₁₋₂alkylene. In one embodiment A¹ and A²are each independently a direct bond or an unsubstituted C₁₋₄alkylene.

In a further embodiment, A¹ is a direct bond. In another furtherembodiment, A² is a direct bond. In another embodiment A¹ and A² are adirect bond.

In another particular embodiment, A¹ is —(CH₂)—_(m), wherein m is aninteger from 0 to 4.

In yet another particular embodiment, A² is —(CH₂)_(n), wherein n is aninteger from 0 to 4.

In yet another particular embodiment, n and m are each independently 0,1 or 2.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide those compoundsof formula I wherein one or more of the following restriction apply:

R¹ is selected from hydrogen and C₁₋₆alkyl; in particular hydrogen;

X¹ is halo; in particular fluoro;

X² is —C(═O)—NH—;

X² is —NH—C(═O)—;

Cy is an optionally substituted aryl;

the optional substituents in the Cy definition are one or moresubstituents selected from aryl, heteroaryl, and C₃₋₁₀cycloalkyl;wherein said aryl, heteroaryl and C₃₋₁₀cycloalkyl is optionallysubstituted with one or more substituents selected from the groupconsisting of halo, hydroxyl, oxo, carbonyl, amino, amido, cyano, aryl,heteroaryl, C₃₋₈cycloalkyl, C₃₋₈heterocyclyl, C₁₋₈alkylamino, C₁₋₆alkyl,di(C₁₋₈alkyl)amino, C₁₋₈alkoxy, halo-C₁₋₈alkoxy, halo-C₁₋₈alkyl, thiol,C₁₋₈alkylthio, carboxylic acid, acylamino, C₁₋₈alkyl ester, carbamate,thioamido, urea, and sulfonamide;

the optional substituents in the Cy definition are one or moresubstituents selected from C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkoxyl, C₁₋₆ haloalkyl,C₁₋₆ haloalkoxyl, and halo; in particular halo;

Cy is optionally substituted with one substituent;

Cy is a six-membered ring;

A¹-X³A²-Het¹ is substituted on Cy in the meta or para position of X²; inparticular in the para position

R² is hydrogen or C₁₋₃alkyl; in particular hydrogen or methyl;

Het¹ is selected from the group comprising

A¹ and A² are independently a direct bond or a C₁₋₆alkylene, whereinsaid C₁₋₆alkylene is optionally substituted with one or moresubstituents selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₆alkyl,C₁₋₆alkenyl, C₁₋₆alkynyl, halo, hydroxyl, oxo, amino, cyano, aryl,heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, alkylamino, alkoxy, alkylthio, acylamino,carbamate, urea, and sulfonamido;

A¹ and A² are independently a direct bond or a C₁₋₆alkylene, whereinsaid C₁₋₆alkylene is optionally substituted with one or moresubstituents selected from the group consisting of halo, hydroxyl, oxo,amino, amido, cyano, aryl, heteroaryl, C₃₋₈cycloalkyl, C₃₋₈heterocyclyl,C₁₋₈alkylamino, C₁₋₈alkyl, di(C₁₋₈alkyl)amino, C₁₋₈alkoxy,halo-C₁₋₈alkoxy, halo-C₁₋₈alkyl, C₁₋₈alkylthio, acylamino, carbamate,urea, and sulfonamide;

A¹ and A² are each independently a direct bond or a C₁₋₆alkylene,wherein said C₁₋₆alkylene is optionally substituted with one or moreC₁₋₆alkyl groups;

A¹ is —(CH₂)—_(m), wherein m is an integer from 0 to 4;

A² is —(CH₂)—_(n), wherein n is an integer from 0 to 4

and

n and m are each independently 0, 1 or 2; in particular 0 or 1.

The compounds of the present invention can be prepared according to thereaction schemes provided in the examples hereinafter, but those skilledin the art will appreciate that these are only illustrative for theinvention and that the compounds of this invention can be prepared byany of several standard synthetic processes commonly used by thoseskilled in the art of organic chemistry.

In a preferred embodiment, the compounds of the present invention areuseful as kinase inhibitors, more in particular for the inhibition of atleast one ROCK kinase, selected from ROCKI and ROCKII, in particularsoft ROCK inhibitors.

The present invention further provides the use of a compound as definedhereinbefore or the use of a composition comprising said compound, as ahuman or veterinary medicine, in particular for prevention and/ortreatment of at least one disease or disorder, in which ROCK isinvolved, such as diseases linked to smooth muscle cell function,inflammation, fibrosis, excessive cell proliferation, excessiveangiogenesis, hyperreactivity, barrier dysfunction, neurodegeration,function, inflammation, fibrosis, excessive cell proliferation,excessive angiogenesis, hyperreactivity, barrier dysfunction,neurodegeration and remodeling.

In a further embodiment, the invention provides the use of a compound asdefined hereinbefore, or the use of a composition comprising saidcompound in the prevention and/or treatment of at least one disease ordisorder selected from the group comprising airway diseases; throat,nose and ear diseases; intestinal diseases; cardiovascular and vasculardiseases; inflammatory diseases; skin diseases; neurological and CNSdisorders; proliferative diseases; bone diseases; transplant rejection,spasm, chronic obstructive bladder disease, allergy.

In a preferred embodiment, the invention provides the use of a compoundas defined hereinbefore or the use of a composition comprising saidcompound in the prevention and/or treatment of airway diseases;including but not limited to pulmonary fibrosis, emphysema, chronicbronchitis, asthma, fibrosis, pneumonia, cystic fibrosis, chronicobstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); bronchitis and rhinitis andrespiratory distress syndrome, and/or for preventing, treating and/oralleviating complications and/or symptoms associated therewith.

In a further embodiment, the invention provides the use of a compound asdefined hereinbefore or the use of a composition comprising saidcompound in the prevention and/or treatment of cardiovascular andvascular diseases: including but not limited to pulmonary hypertensionand pulmonary vasoconstriction, and/or for preventing, treating and/oralleviating complications and/or symptoms associated therewith and/oralleviating complications and/or symptoms associated therewith.

In a further embodiment, the invention provides the use of a compound asdefined hereinbefore or the use of a composition comprising saidcompound in the prevention and/or treatment of Throat, Nose and Eardiseases: including but not limited to sinus problems, hearing problems,toothache, tonsillitis, ulcer and rhinitis,

In a further embodiment, the invention provides the use of a compound asdefined hereinbefore or the use of a composition comprising saidcompound in the prevention and/or treatment of skin diseases: includingbut not limited to hyperkeratosis, parakeratosis, hypergranulosis,acanthosis, dyskeratosis, spongiosis and ulceration.

In a further embodiment, the invention provides the use of a compound asdefined hereinbefore or the use of a composition comprising saidcompound in the prevention and/or treatment of Intestinal diseases;including but not limited to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), colitis,gastroenteritis, ileus, ileitis, appendicitis and Crohn's disease.

In yet another embodiment, the invention provides the use of a compoundas defined hereinbefore or the use of a composition comprising saidcompound in the prevention and/or treatment of inflammatory diseases:including but not limited to contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis,psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis,ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease,Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and/or for preventing, treatingand/or alleviating complications and/or symptoms and/or inflammatoryresponses associated therewith.

In another embodiment, the invention provides the use of a compound asdefined hereinbefore or the use of a composition comprising saidcompound in the prevention, treatment and/or management of neurologicaldisorders: including but not limited to neuropathic pain. The presentcompounds are therefore suitable for preventing neurodegeneration andstimulating neurogeneration in various neurological disorders, and/orfor preventing, treating and/or alleviating complications and/orsymptoms associated therewith.

In another embodiment, the invention provides the use of a compound asdefined hereinbefore or the use of a composition comprising saidcompound in the prevention and/or treatment of proliferative diseases:such as but not limited to cancer of the breast, colon, intestine, skin,head and neck, nerve, lung, liver, pancreas, or thyroid gland; Castlemandisease malignoma; and melanoma; and/or for preventing, treating and/oralleviating complications and/or symptoms and/or inflammatory responsesassociated therewith.

In another embodiment, the invention provides the use of a compound asdefined hereinbefore or the use of a composition comprising saidcompound in the prevention and/or treatment of bone diseases: includingbut not limited to osteoporosis and osteoarthritis; and/or forpreventing, treating and/or alleviating complications and/or symptomsand/or inflammatory responses associated therewith.

In another embodiment, the invention provides the use of a compound asdefined hereinbefore or the use of a composition comprising saidcompound in the prevention and/or treatment of diseases and disorderssuch as benign prostatic hyperplasia, transplant rejection, spasm,chronic obstructive bladder disease, allergy, and/or for preventing,treating and/or alleviating complications and/or symptoms associatedtherewith.

In a preferred embodiment the present invention provides the use of acompound as defined hereinbefore or the use of a composition comprisingsaid compound in the prevention and/or treatment of asthma or COPD.

Method of Treatment

The present invention further provides a method for the preventionand/or treatment of at least one disease or disorder selected from thegroup comprising airway diseases; cardiovascular diseases, inflammatorydiseases; skin diseases, neurological disorders; proliferative diseases;bone diseases; transplant rejection; spasm; chronic obstructive bladderdisease and allergy; said method comprising administering to a subjectin need thereof a therapeutic effective amount of a compound or acomposition as defined herein.

In a preferred embodiment, the invention provides a method for theprevention and/or treatment of airway diseases including but not limitedto pulmonary fibrosis, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, asthma, fibrosis,pneumonia, cystic fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)bronchitis, rhinitis, and respiratory distress syndrome; said methodcomprising administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeuticeffective amount of a compound or a composition as defined herein.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a method for theprevention and/or treatment of cardiovascular and vascular diseases:including but not limited to pulmonary hypertension and pulmonaryvasoconstriction; said method comprising administering to a subject inneed thereof a therapeutic effective amount of a compound or acomposition as defined herein.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a method for theprevention and/or treatment of inflammatory diseases: including but notlimited to contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, rheumatoidarthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis,psoriatic arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease andulcerative colitis; said method comprising administering to a subject inneed thereof a therapeutic effective amount of a compound or acomposition as defined herein.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a method for theprevention and/or treatment of neurological disorders: including but notlimited to neuropathic pain. The present compounds are thereforesuitable for preventing neurodegeneration and stimulatingneurogeneration in various neurological disorders; said methodcomprising administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeuticeffective amount of a compound or a composition as defined herein.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a method for theprevention and/or treatment of proliferative diseases: such as but notlimited to cancer of the breast, colon, intestine, skin, head and neck,nerve, lung, liver, pancreas, or thyroid gland; Castleman disease;sarcoma; malignoma; and melanoma; said method comprising administeringto a subject in need thereof a therapeutic effective amount of acompound or a composition as defined herein.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a method for theprevention and/or treatment of kidney diseases: including but notlimited to renal fibrosis or renal dysfunction; said method comprisingadministering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutic effectiveamount of a compound or a composition as defined herein.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a method for theprevention and/or treatment of bone diseases: including but not limitedto osteoporosis and osteoarthritis; said method comprising administeringto a subject in need thereof a therapeutic effective amount of acompound or a composition as defined herein.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a method for theprevention and/or treatment of diseases and disorders such as benignprostatic hyperplasia, transplant rejection, spasm, chronic obstructivebladder disease, and allergy; said method comprising administering to asubject in need thereof a therapeutic effective amount of a compound ora composition as defined herein.

In a preferred embodiment, the invention provides a method for theprevention and/or treatment of airways, intestinal and inflammatorydiseases; said method comprising administering to a subject in needthereof a therapeutic effective amount of a compound or a composition asdefined herein.

In the invention, particular preference is given to compounds of FormulaI or any subgroup thereof that in the inhibition assay for ROCKdescribed below inhibit ROCK with an IC₅₀ value of less than 1 μM,preferably less than 0.1 μM.

Said inhibition may be effected in vitro and/or in vivo, and wheneffected in vivo, is preferably effected in a selective manner, asdefined above.

The term “ROCK-mediated condition” or “disease”, as used herein, meansany disease or other deleterious condition in which ROCK is known toplay a role. The term “ROCK-mediated condition” or “disease” also meansthose diseases or conditions that are alleviated by treatment with aROCK inhibitor. Accordingly, another embodiment of the present inventionrelates to treating or lessening the severity of one or more diseases inwhich ROCK is known to play a role.

For pharmaceutical use, the compounds of the invention may be used asfree base, and/or in the form of a pharmaceutically acceptableacid-addition salt (e.g. obtained with non-toxic organic or inorganicacid), in the form of a hydrate, solvate and/or complex. As used hereinand unless otherwise stated, the term “solvate” includes any combinationwhich may be formed by a compound of this invention with a suitableinorganic solvent (e.g. hydrates) or organic solvent.

Such salts, hydrates, solvates, etc. and the preparation thereof will beclear to the skilled person; reference is for instance made to thesalts, hydrates, solvates, etc. described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,372,778,6,369,086, 6,369,087 and 6,372,733.

The pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds according to theinvention, i.e. in the form of water-, oil-soluble, or dispersibleproducts, include the conventional non-toxic salts from inorganic ororganic acids. Examples of such acid addition salts include acetate,benzoate, benzenesulfonate, bisulfate, butyrate, citrate, camphorate,camphorsulfonate, cyclopentanepropionate, digluconate, dodecylsulfate,ethanesulfonate, fumarate, glucoheptanoate, glycerophosphate,hemisulfate, heptanoate, hexanoate, hydrochloride, hydrobromide,hydroiodide, 2-hydroxyethanesulfonate, lactate, maleate, malonate,methanesulfonate, 2-naphthalene-sulfonate, nicotinate, oxalate,palmoate, pectinate, persulfate, 3-phenylpropionate, picrate, pivalate,propionate, succinate, tartrate, tosylate, and undecanoate. Thecompounds can be administered by a variety of routes including the oral,rectal, transdermal, or intranasal routes, depending mainly on thespecific preparation used and the condition to be treated or prevented.The at least one compound of the invention will generally beadministered in an “effective amount”, by which is meant any amount of acompound of the Formula I or any subgroup thereof that, upon suitableadministration, is sufficient to achieve the desired therapeutic orprophylactic effect in the individual to which it is administered. Suchamount will usually vary depending on the condition to be prevented ortreated and the route of administration. The amount(s) to beadministered, the route of administration and the further treatmentregimen may be determined by the treating clinician, depending onfactors such as the age, gender and general condition of the patient andthe nature and severity of the disease/symptoms to be treated.

In accordance with the method of the present invention, saidpharmaceutical composition can be administered separately at differenttimes during the course of therapy or concurrently in divided or singlecombination forms. The present invention is therefore to be understoodas embracing all such regimes of simultaneous or alternating treatmentand the term “administering” is to be interpreted accordingly.

For an oral administration form, the compositions of the presentinvention can be mixed with suitable additives, such as excipients,stabilizers, or inert diluents, and brought by means of the customarymethods into the suitable administration forms, such as tablets, coatedtablets, hard capsules, aqueous, alcoholic, or oily solutions. Examplesof suitable inert carriers are gum arabic, magnesia, magnesiumcarbonate, potassium phosphate, lactose, glucose, or starch, inparticular, corn starch. In this case, the preparation can be carriedout both as dry and as moist granules. Suitable oily excipients orsolvents are vegetable or animal oils, such as sunflower oil or codliver oil. Suitable solvents for aqueous or alcoholic solutions arewater, ethanol, sugar solutions, or mixtures thereof. Polyethyleneglycols and polypropylene glycols are also useful as further auxiliariesfor other administration forms. As immediate release tablets, thesecompositions may contain microcrystalline cellulose, dicalciumphosphate, starch, magnesium stearate and lactose and/or otherexcipients, binders, extenders, disintegrants, diluents and lubricantsknown in the art.

When administered by nasal aerosol or inhalation, these compositions maybe prepared according to techniques well-known in the art ofpharmaceutical formulation and may be prepared as solutions in saline,employing benzyl alcohol or other suitable preservatives, absorptionpromoters to enhance bioavailability, fluorocarbons, and/or othersolubilizing or dispersing agents known in the art. Suitablepharmaceutical formulations for administration in the form of aerosolsor sprays are, for example, solutions, suspensions or emulsions of thecompounds of the invention or their physiologically tolerable salts in apharmaceutically acceptable solvent, such as ethanol or water, or amixture of such solvents. If required, the formulation can alsoadditionally contain other pharmaceutical auxiliaries such assurfactants, emulsifiers and stabilizers as well as a propellant.

When rectally administered in the form of suppositories, theseformulations may be prepared by mixing the compounds according to theinvention with a suitable non-irritating excipient, such as cocoabutter, synthetic glyceride esters or polyethylene glycols, which aresolid at ordinary temperatures, but liquefy and/or dissolve in therectal cavity to release the drug.

In preferred embodiments, the compounds and compositions of theinvention are used locally, for instance topical or in both absorbed andnon-adsorbed applications.

The compositions are of value in the veterinary field, which for thepurposes herein not only includes the prevention and/or treatment ofdiseases in animals, but also—for economically important animals such ascattle, pigs, sheep, chicken, fish, etc.—enhancing the growth and/orweight of the animal and/or the amount and/or the quality of the meat orother products obtained from the animal. Thus, in a further aspect, theinvention relates to a composition for veterinary use that contains atleast one compound of the invention and at least one suitable carrier(i.e. a carrier suitable for veterinary use). The invention also relatesto the use of a compound of the invention in the preparation of such acomposition.

The invention will now be illustrated by means of the followingsynthetic and biological examples, which do not limit the scope of theinvention in any way.

EXAMPLES A. Compound Purity

Unless indicated otherwise, the purity of the compounds was confirmed byliquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) and/or proton NMR

B. Compound Synthesis B.1. Intermediates

Synthetic intermediates were prepared according to the experimentalprocedures shown below.

Intermediate 1: 3-((4-aminobenzyl)amino)dihydrofuran-2(3H)-one

To a solution of 4-(aminomethyl)aniline (4 g, 32.7 mmol) and3-bromodihydrofuran-2(3H)-one (3.33 mL, 36.0 mmol) in MeCN (80 mL) wasadded K₂CO₃ (4.07 g, 29.5 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at 80°C. overnight. Then the precipitate was filtered off and the filtrateconcentrated under vacuum. The residue was purified by flashchromatography (silica gel) eluting with pure EtOAc. The pure fractionwas then combined and concentrated under vacuum. The resulting colorlessoil was dissolved in DCM and HCl gas was bubbled through to it for 30 s.Finally the precipitate was collected by filtration and washed with Et₂O(×3) to give the HCl salt of the intermediate 1(2.5 g, 27%) as whitepowder.

Intermediate 2: 3-(((4-aminophenyl)thio)methyl)dihydrofuran-2(3H)-one

To a solution of 3-methylenedihydrofuran-2(3H)-one (5 g, 50.97 mmol) andEt₃N (10.29 g, 101.9 mmol) in THF (200 mL) was added 4-aminobenzenethiol(12.73 g, 101.9 mmol). The mixture was stirred at room temperatureovernight and concentrated. The residue was purified by preparative HPLCto give intermediate 2 (6.5 g, 57%) as brown powder.

Intermediate 3: 3-(4-aminophenoxy)dihydrofuran-2(3H)-one

To a solution of 4-aminophenol (4.15 g, 38 mmol) and Et₃N (30 mL, 215mmol) in methanol (75 mL) was added Boc₂O (9.7 mL, 41.8 mmol) and thereaction mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. Afterremoval of solvent, the residue was distributed between ethyl acetate(250 mL) and 0.25 N aqueous hydrochloric acid solution (100 mL). Theorganic phase was isolated, washed with an aqueous saturated ammoniumchloride solution (3×50 mL), dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate,filtered and concentrated under vacuum to give the expected compound(4-Hydroxy-phenyl)-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester (6.65 g, 84% yield) aswhite powder.

To a solution of (4-Hydroxy-phenyl)-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester (2.5g, 11.95 mmol) and 3-bromodihydrofuran-2(3H)-one (1.66 mL, 17.92 mmol)in MeCN (30 ml) was added K₂CO₃ (3.3 g, 23.9 mmol) and the reactionmixture was stirred at 80° C. overnight. After cooling to roomtemperature, the precipitate was filtered off and the filtrateconcentrated under vacuum. The residue was precipitated in Et₂O,collected by filtration and dried overnight in the oven (60° C.) to givethe expected compound tert-butyl(4-((2-oxotetrahydrofuran-3-yl)oxy)phenyl)carbamate (3.11 g, 89%) aswhite powder.

To a solution of tert-butyl(4-((2-oxotetrahydrofuran-3-yl)oxy)phenyl)carbamate (3.05 g, 10.38 mmol)in DCM (56 mL) was added TFA (8.0 mL, 104 mmol). The reaction mixturewas stirred at room temperature for 2.5 h and concentrated under vacuum.The residue was precipitated in a mixture MeCN/Et₂O, collected byfiltration and dried in the oven (60° C.) overnight to give the TFA saltof intermediate 3 (2.64 g, 83%) as white powder.

Intermediate 4: 4-((2-oxotetrahydrofuran-3-yl)thio)benzoic acid

To a suspension of 4-mercaptobenzoic acid (2 g, 12.97 mmol) in MeCN (30mL) were added 3-bromodihydrofuran-2(3H)-one (1.318 mL, 14.27 mmol) andEt₃N (1.450 mL, 10.4 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at 80° C.overnight. The precipitate was filtered off and the filtrateconcentrated under vacuum. The residue was suspended in DCM, collectedby filtration and washed with DCM and water to give the intermediate 4(1.79 g, 58%) as white powder.

Similarly, the following intermediate can be obtained by following ananalogous experimental protocol.

Intermediate 4a: 4-((2-oxotetrahydrofuran-3-yl)amino)benzoic acid

Intermediate 4a was obtained by using 4-aminobenzoic acid as startingmaterial, instead of 4-mercaptobenzoic acid.

Intermediate 5: 3-((4-aminophenyl)amino)dihydrofuran-2(3H)-one

To a solution of tert-butyl (4-aminophenyl)carbamate (3 g, 14.41 mmol)and 3-bromodihydrofuran-2(3H)-one (1.464 mL, 15.85 mmol) in MeCN (30 mL)was added K₂CO₃ (1.991 g, 14.41 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirredat 80° C. overnight, the precipitate filtered off and the filtrateconcentrated under vacuum. The residue was precipitated in Et₂O andcollected by filtration to give the expected compound tert-butyl(4-((2-oxotetrahydrofuran-3-yl)amino)phenyl)carbamate (3.1 g, 74%) aswhite powder.

To a solution of tert-butyl(4-((2-oxotetrahydrofuran-3-yl)amino)phenyl)carbamate (1.5 g, 5.13 mmol)in DCM (30 ml) was added TFA (4.29 mL). The reaction mixture was stirredat room temperature overnight and concentrated under vacuum. The residuewas diluted in a mixture MeCN/water and freeze-dried to give the TFAsalt of the intermediate 5 (1.54 g, 71%) as white powder.

Similarly, the following intermediates can be obtained by following ananalogous experimental protocol.

Intermediate 5a: 3-((3-methyl-4-aminophenyl)amino)dihydrofuran-2(3H)-one

Intermediate 5a was obtained by using tert-butyl(3-methyl-4-aminophenyl)carbamate as starting material, instead oftert-butyl (4-aminophenyl)carbamate.

Intermediate 5b: 3[(2-amino-1,3-thiazol-5-yl)amino]oxolan-2-one

Intermediate 5b was obtained by using tert-butylN-(5-amino-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)carbamate as starting material, instead oftert-butyl (4-aminophenyl)carbamate.

Intermediate 6: 5-oxooxolan-3-yl methanesulfonate

To a solution of 4-hydroxyoxolan-2-one (8 g, 78.4 mmol, 1.0 eq) and drypyridine (9.3 g, 117.6 mmol, 1.5 eq) in DCM (400 ml) was added MsCl(13.37 g, 117.6 mmol, 1.5 eq) at 0° C. The resulting mixture was stirredovernight at 30° C., and was then washed with 5% aq. HCl, and brine. Theorganic layer was dried over MgSO₄, filtered and the residue wasconcentrated to provide 5 g of intermediate 6 (35.5% yield).

Intermediate 7: 3-((4-aminophenyl)thio)dihydrofuran-2(3H)-one

To a suspension of 4-aminobenzenethiol (2 g, 15.98 mmol) in MeCN (30 mL)were added 3-bromodihydrofuran-2(3H)-one (1.623 mL, 17.57 mmol) andtriethylamine (2.227 mL, 15.98 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirredat 80° C. for 2 h and concentrated under vacuum. The residue wasdissolved in DCM and HCl gas bubbled for 2 min. The precipitate wascollected by filtration and washed with DCM and ACN to give the HCl saltof the intermediate 7 (2.7 g, 69%) as white powder.

Similarly, the following intermediates can be obtained by following ananalogous experimental protocol.

Intermediate 7a: 3-((3-aminophenyl)thio)dihydrofuran-2(3H)-one

Intermediate 7a was obtained by using 3-aminobenzenethiol as startingmaterial, instead of 4-aminobenzenethiol.

Intermediate 7b: 3-((3-fluoro-4-aminophenyl)thio)dihydrofuran-2(3H)-one

Intermediate 7b was obtained by using 3-fluoro-4-aminobenzenethiol asstarting material, instead of 4-aminobenzenethiol.

Intermediate 7c: 3-((4-aminophenyl)thio)-5-methyldihydrofuran-2(3H)-one

Intermediate 7c was obtained by reacting 4-aminobenzenethiol with3-bromo-5-methyldihydrofuran-2(3H)-one, instead of3-bromodihydrofuran-2(3H)-one.

Intermediate 7d:3-((4-aminophenyl)thio)-4,4-dimethyldihydrofuran-2(3H)-one

Intermediate 7d was obtained by reacting 4-aminobenzenethiol with3-bromo-4,4-dimethyldihydrofuran-2(3H)-one, instead of3-bromodihydrofuran-2(3H)-one.

Intermediate 7e: 4-((4-aminophenyl)thio)dihydrofuran-2(3H)-one

Intermediate 7e was obtained by reacting 4-aminobenzenethiol with5-oxooxolan-3-yl methanesulfonate (intermediate 6), instead of3-bromodihydrofuran-2(3H)-one.

Intermediate 8: 3-((4-aminophenyl)(methyl)amino)dihydrofuran-2(3H)-one

To a solution of tert-butyl(4-((2-oxotetrahydrofuran-3-yl)amino)phenyl)carbamate (1.5 g, 5.13 mmol)in DCM (30.0 mL) at 0° C. were added formaldehyde (37% in water, 1.2 mL,16.4 mmol) and sodium triacetoxyborohydride (3.26 g, 15.39 mmol). Thereaction mixture was stirred at 0° C. overnight and diluted in EtOAc.The organic layer was washed with sat NaHCO₃ (×3) and brine, dried overNa₂SO₄ and concentrated under vacuum. The residue was purified by flashchromatography (silica gel) eluting with pure DCM to give the expectedcompound tert-butyl(4-(methyl(2-oxotetrahydrofuran-3-yl)amino)phenyl)carbamate (1.3 g, 83%)as white powder.

To a solution of tert-butyl(4-(methyl(2-oxotetrahydrofuran-3-yl)amino)phenyl)carbamate (1.3 g, 4.24mmol) in DCM (30 mL) was added TFA (4.29 mL, 55.7 mmol). The reactionmixture was stirred at room temperature overnight and concentrated undervacuum. The residue was diluted in a mixture MeCN/aq HCl (0.1 N) andfreeze-dried to give the HCl salt of the intermediate 9 (644 mg, 54%) aswhite powder.

B.2. Compounds of the Invention

The compound of the invention may be prepared by methods well known tothose skilled in the art and/or by adapting the methods described inWO2013/030365, WO2013/030366 and WO2013/030367.

In the table B.2.1 that is set forth below, exemplary compounds of theinvention are described. In this table, the name of the compound, anarbitrarily assigned compound number and structural information are setout.

TABLE B.2.1 Compounds of the invention Name # Cpd Structure6-(aminomethyl)-N³-(3-fluoropyridin-4-yl)-N^(3′)-(4-(((2-oxotetrahydrofuran-3-yl)amino)methyl)phenyl)-[1,1′-biphenyl]-3,3′- dicarboxamide  1

6-(aminomethyl)-N³-(3-fluoropyridin-4-yl)-N^(3′)-(4-(((2-oxotetrahydrofuran-3-yl)methyl)thio)phenyl)-[1,1′-biphenyl]-3,3′- dicarboxamide  2

6-(aminomethyl)-N³-(3-fluoropyridin-4-yl)-N^(3′)-(4-((2-oxotetrahydrofuran-3-yl)oxy)phenyl)-[1,1′-biphenyl]-3,3′-dicarboxamide  3

6-(aminomethyl)-N-(3-fluoropyridin-4-yl)-3′-(N-((2-oxotetrahydrofuran-3-yl)thio)benzamido)-[1,1′-biphenyl]-3-carboxamide  4

6-(aminomethyl)-N³-(3-fluoropyridin-4-yl)-N^(3′)-(4-((2-oxotetrahydrofuran-3-yl)amino)phenyl)-[1,1′-biphenyl]-3,3′-dicarboxamide  5

6-(aminomethyl)-N³-(3-fluoropyridin-4-yl)-N^(3′)-(4-((2-oxotetrahydrofuran-3-yl)thio)phenyl)-[1,1′-biphenyl]-3,3′-dicarboxamide  6

6-(aminomethyl)-N³-(3-fluoropyridin-4-yl)-N^(3′)-(4-(methyl(2-oxotetrahydrofuran-3-yl)amino)phenyl)-[1,1′-biphenyl]-3,3′- dicarboxamide  7

6-(aminomethyl)-N³-(3-fluoropyridin-4-yl)-N^(3′)-(3-((2-oxotetrahydrofuran-3-yl)thio)phenyl)-[1,1′-biphenyl]-3,3′-dicarboxamide  8

6-(aminomethyl)-N³-(3-fluoropyridin-4-yl)-N^(3′)-(4-((5-methyl-2-oxotetrahydrofuran-3-yl)thio)phenyl)-[1,1′-biphenyl]-3,3′- dicarboxamide  9

6-(aminomethyl)-N³-(3-fluoropyridin-4-yl)-N^(3′)-(4-((4,4-dimethyl-2-oxotetrahydrofuran-3-yl)thio)phenyl)-[1,1′-biphenyl]-3,3′- dicarboxamide 10

6-(aminomethyl)-N³-(3-fluoropyridin-4-yl)-N^(3′)-(4-((2-oxotetrahydrofuran-4-yl)thio)phenyl)-[1,1′-biphenyl]-3,3′-dicarboxamide 11

6-(aminomethyl)-N³-(3-fluoropyridin-4-yl)-N^(3′)-(2-fluoro-4-((2-oxotetrahydrofuran-3-yl)thio)phenyl)-[1,1′-biphenyl]-3,3′- dicarboxamide 12

6-(aminomethyl)-N-(3-fluoropyridin-4-yl)-3′-(4-((2-oxotetrahydrofuran-3-yl)amino)benzamido)-[1,1′-biphenyl]-3-carboxamide 13

6-(aminomethyl)-N-(pyridin-4-yl)-3′-(4-((2-oxotetrahydrofuran-3-yl)thio)benzamido)-[1,1′- biphenyl]-3-carboxamide14

6-(aminomethyl)-N³-(3-fluoropyridin-4-yl)-N^(3′)-(2-methyl-4-((2-oxotetrahydrofuran-3-yl)amino)phenyl)-[1,1′-biphenyl]-3,3′- dicarboxamide 15

6-(aminomethyl)-N³-(3-fluoropyridin-4-yl)-N^(3′)-(5-((2-oxotetrahydrofuran-3-yl)amino)thiazol-2-yl)-[1,1′-biphenyl]-3,3′-dicarboxamide 16

C. In Vitro and In Vivo Assays C.1. ROCK Inhibitory Activity Screening

C.1.1. Kinase Inhibition

On-target activity against ROCK (1 or 2)□□ was measured in a biochemicalassay, using the following reagents: Base Reaction buffer; 20 mM Hepes(pH 7.5), 10 mM MgCl₂, 1 mM EGTA, 0.02% Brij35, 0.02 mg/ml BSA, 0.1 mMNa₃VO₄, 2 mM DTT, 1% DMSO. Required cofactors are added individually toeach kinase reaction. The reaction procedure first involved thepreparation of a peptide substrate in a freshly prepared reactionbuffer. Required cofactors were then added to the substrate solution.ROCK (1 nM final concentration) was then delivered to the substratesolution. After gentle mix, DMSO solutions of the test compounds wereadded to the enzyme. Substrate mix ³³P-ATP (specific activity 0.01μCi/μl final) was then delivered into the reaction mixture to initiatethe reaction. The kinase reaction was incubated for 120 min. at roomtemperature. Reactions were then spotted onto P81 ion exchange paper(Whatman # 3698-915). Filters were washed extensively in 0.1% Phosphoricacid. A radiometric count was then performed and IC₅₀ values weresubsequently determined.

When evaluated under such conditions, compounds of the inventionpotently inhibit ROCK2 with an IC₅₀<100 nM.

C.1.2. MLC Phosphorylation Assay

Rat smooth muscle cell line A7r5 is used. The endogenous expression ofROCK results in a constitutive phosphorylation of the regulatory myosinlight chain at T18/S19. A7r5 cells were plated in DMEM supplemented with10% FCS in multiwall cell culture plates. After serum starvationovernight, cells were incubated with compounds in serum-free medium.

Quantification of MLC-T18/S19 phosphorylation is assessed in 96well-plates via ELISA using a phspho-MLC-T18/S19 specific antibody and asecondary detection antibody. Raw data were converted into percentsubstrate phosphorylation relative to high controls, which were set to100%. EC₅₀ values were determined using GraphPad Prism 5.01 softwareusing a nonlinear regression curve fit with variable hill slope.

TABLE C.1.2 Activity data for MLC phosphorylation assay # Cpd EC₅₀MLC-PP 1 ++ 2 +++ 3 ++ 4 +++ 5 +++ 6 +++ 7 +++ 8 ++ 9 +++ 11 +++ 12 +++13 +++ ++: 0.1 μM < EC₅₀ < 1 μM; +++: EC₅₀ < 0.1 μM;C.1.3. In Vivo Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Soft ROCK Inhibitors

Selected compounds of the invention were evaluated in vivo in an acuteLPS lung challenge model. Groups of 6 male BALB/c mice were used foreach tested dose and for positive and negative controls. Underanesthesia with gas anesthetics (isoflurane), test substances andvehicle (0.9% NaCl, 1 mL/kg) were administered intratracheally (IT) totest animals 0.5 hr prior to challenge with ˜80 μg/kg of E. colilipopolysaccharide (LPS, Sigma, serotype 055:B5, in sterile saline, 2 μgin 20 μL per mouse intratracheally). Dexamethasone, the positivecontrol, at 1 mg/kg in 2% Tween 80 was given orally to test animals onehour before LPS challenge. Mice were anaesthetized with isoflurane at 24hrs after LPS challenge, 0.5 mL of phosphate buffered saline (PBS, pH7.4) was instilled into the lung twice through a tracheal cannula, afterwhich about a total of 0.6˜0.8 mL of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF)was obtained. Total cell and neutrophils counts in BALF were thendetermined and one-way ANOVA followed by Dunnett's test was used toanalyze difference between the vehicle control and treated groups.Significant difference is considered at P<0.05. Compounds of theinvention are efficacious in this model, with preferred compoundsdisplaying an ED₅₀ below 0.5 mg/kg.

Example data is provided in FIG. 1 for Cpd4 that demonstrates, at 0.1and 0.01 mg/kg, anti-inflammatory activity equivalent to thedexamethasone control.

C.2. Pharmacological Characterization

C.2.1. Stability Assay in Human Plasma

Compounds are incubated at a concentration of 1 μM in human (or animal)plasma. Samples are taken at fixed time points and the remnant ofcompound is determined by LC-MS/MS after protein precipitation. Halflife in table C.2.1 is expressed in minutes.

TABLE C.2.1 Half-life values in plasma # Cpd t½ human plasma 1 <20 2 <203 <20 4 <20 5 <20 6 <20 7 <20 8 <20 9 <20 11 <20 12 <20 13 <20C.2.2. Stability Towards Drug Metabolizing Enzymes in Lung S9

A 1 μM solution of the ROCK inhibitors is incubated with a reactionmixture containing lung S9 (EDTA-free) as well as the cofactors NADPH,UDPGA, PAPS and GSH. Samples are collected at 0, 15, 30 and 60 minutespost incubation. Negative control samples incubated with ROCK inhibitorsand S9 fraction in the absence of cofactors are run in parallel. Byusing LC-MS/MS analysis, the percent of ROCK compounds remaining at eachtime point, the metabolic half-life of the ROCK compounds (expressed inminutes in table C.2.2) and the metabolic half-life of the controlcompounds are determined.

TABLE C.2.2 Half-life values in lungS9 # Cpd t½ human lung S9 1 >602 >60 4 >60 5 >60 6 >60 7 >60 13 >60C.2.3. Stability Towards Intestinal Drug Metabolizing Enzymes

A 1 μM solution of the ROCK inhibitors is incubated with humanintestinal tissue homogenate (final concentration: 40 mg/ml) Samples arecollected at 0, 20 and 60 minutes post incubation. By using LC-MS/MSanalysis, the percent of ROCK compounds remaining at each time point,the metabolic half-life of the ROCK compounds (expressed in minutes intable C.2.3) and the metabolic half-life of control compounds aredetermined.

TABLE C.2.3 Half-life values in presence of 40 mg/ml intestinalhomogenate. # Cpd t½ (min) human t½ (min) mouse 2 >120 >120 5 NT >1207 >120 >120

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of treatment of fibrosis, wherein themethod comprises administering to a patient in need thereof, atherapeutically effective amount of a compound of Formula I or astereoisomer, tautomer, racemic, salt, hydrate, or solvate thereof,

Wherein R¹ is selected from hydrogen and C₁₋₂₀alkyl; X¹ is hydrogen orhalo; X² is —C(═O)—NH— or —NH—C(═O)—; Cy is an optionally substitutedgroup selected from aryl and heteroaryl; X³ is selected from the groupconsisting of —S—, —O—, and —NR²—; R² is hydrogen or C₁₋₆alkyl; Het¹ is2-oxotetrahydrofuranyl optionally substituted with one or moreC₁₋₆alkyl-; and A¹ and A² are each independently a direct bond or anoptionally substituted C₁₋₆alkylene.
 2. The method of treatmentaccording to claim 1, wherein Cy is selected from aryl and heteroaryl,wherein said aryl or heteroaryl is optionally substituted with one ormore substituents selected from the group consisting of halo, hydroxyl,oxo, carbonyl, amino, amido, cyano, aryl, heteroaryl, C₃₋₈cycloalykl,C₃₋₈heterocyclyl, C₁₋₈alkylamino, C₁₋₈alkyl, di(C₁₋₈alkyl)amino,C₁₋₈alkoxy, halo-C₁₋₈alkoxy, halo-C₁₋₈alkyl, thiol, C₁₋₈alkylthio,carboxylic acid, acylamino, C₁₋₈alkyl ester, carbamate, thioamido, urea,and sulfonamide.
 3. The method of treatment according to claim 1,wherein Cy is aryl, wherein said aryl is optionally substituted with oneor more substituents selected from the group consisting of halo,hydroxyl, oxo, carbonyl, amino, amido, cyano, aryl, heteroaryl,C₃₋₈cycloalkyl, C₃₋₈heterocyclyl, C₁₋₈alkylamino, C₁₋₈alkyl,di(C₁₋₈alkyl)amino, C₁₋₈alkoxy, halo-C₁₋₈alkoxy, halo-C₁₋₈alkyl, thiol,C₁₋₈alkylthio, carboxylic acid, acylamino, C₁₋₈alkyl ester, carbamate,thioamido, urea and sulfonamide.
 4. The method of treatment according toclaim 1, wherein A¹ and A² are independently a direct bond orC₁₋₆alkylene, wherein said C₁₋₆alkylene is optionally substituted withone or more substituents selected from the group consisting ofC₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₆alkenyl, C₁₋₆alkynyl, halo, hydroxyl, oxo, amino, cyano,aryl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, alkylamino, alkoxy, alkylthio, acylamino,carbamate, urea and sulfonamido.
 5. The method of treatment according toclaim 1, wherein: R¹ is hydrogen; X¹ is halo; X² is —C(═O)—NH— or—NH—C(═O)—; Cy is an optionally substituted group selected from aryl andheteroaryl; X³ is selected from the group consisting of —S—, —O—, and—NR²—; R² is hydrogen or methyl; Het¹ is selected from the groupconsisting of

 and A¹ and A² are each independently a direct bond or an optionallysubstituted C₁₋₆alkylene.
 6. The method of treatment according to claim1, wherein A¹ and A² are each independently a direct bond or aC₁₋₆alkylene, wherein said C₁₋₆alkylene is optionally substituted withone or more C₁₋₆alkyl groups.
 7. A method of treatment as defined inclaim 1, wherein the fibrosis is intestinal fibroisis.